Adaptable interface for a mobile computing device

ABSTRACT

A mobile computing device may be configured to run more than one operating system. Each operating system may require one or more specialized buttons to perform or enable various functions. The layout, shape, and function corresponding the buttons for each operating system may be unique. Adapting the buttons for a particular operating system may be accomplished by using soft buttons displayed as part of the graphical user interface. Here, however, valuable display area must be dedicated to the buttons. Another adaptation approach requires reconfiguring the hardware. Both approaches have drawbacks. In the invention disclosed, two sets of hardware buttons are incorporated in the same touch panel. Enabling a button is based on the choice of operating system. Enabled buttons are visible and operable while not enabled buttons or not visible and not operable. In this way, the hardware buttons in the mobile computing device may be reconfigured without using display area and without requiring hardware disassembly.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to mobile computing devices and in particular to a mobile computing device configured to support multiple operating systems with no hardware changes.

BACKGROUND

Mobile computing devices may have touch buttons (i.e., buttons) integrated in the touchscreen panel. These buttons are back-illuminated, screen-printed glyphs that perform specific operating system functions when pressed (e.g., go to home screen). Generally, it is preferable to design mobile computing devices to support different operating systems. Unfortunately, different operating systems have different button requirements.

One approach to this problem requires creating different touchscreen panels. The touchscreen panels for different operating systems would have different screen-printed buttons, and the operating system would prescribe which touchscreen panel to assemble into a touch-display assembly. Since assembling the touch-display assembly requires optically bonding the touchscreen panel to a graphical-user-interface (GUI) display (i.e., display), the assembly process is typically not reversible. As a result, supporting mobile computing devices with different operating systems would require creating, manufacturing, and stocking different touchscreen panels. This approach is costly, inefficient, and therefore undesirable.

Another approach would utilize “soft buttons” for these system functions. Soft buttons are icons rendered on the display. This approach requires dedicating display area to the buttons. As a result, the display area for other functions would be reduced. Usable display area is among the features highly valued by users, and reducing display area is generally considered undesirable. The display area loss may be mitigated, to some extent, by reducing the size of the soft buttons, but this may cause reduced usability and/or visibility of the buttons. In addition, the display is amongst the mobile computing device's most expensive parts. Using the display for buttons is cost inefficient. For these reasons, soft buttons are also undesirable.

Therefore, a need exists for integrating buttons into the touchscreen panel without using valuable GUI display area and without creating different touchscreen panels for each operating system.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces a method for enabling a handheld mobile computer's hardware buttons. The method starts with the step of choosing a first operating system or a second operating system. The first operating system requires a first subset of hardware buttons and the second operating system requires a second subset of hardware buttons. If the chosen operating system is the first operating system, then the first subset of hardware buttons is enabled. If the chosen operating system is the second operating system, then the second subset of hardware buttons is enabled. The method also includes the step of launching the chosen operating system.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a handheld mobile computing device. The device includes a computer-readable memory for storing an operating system and button-handling software. The device also includes a touch-display assembly with a touch-sensitive screen. The touch-sensitive screen has a display area and a button area. The device also includes a clear cover glass that covers the touch-display assembly. The cover glass has a plurality of buttons stenciled in an opaque layer contiguous to the button area. The plurality of buttons include buttons required by the operating system and buttons not required by the operating system. Light sources are positioned behind the touch-display assembly and the cover glass to illuminate enabled buttons. A central processing unit (CPU) is configured by the operating system and the button-handling software to (i) enable the buttons required by the operating system and (ii) disable the buttons not required by the operating system.

In still another aspect, the present invention embraces a handheld mobile computing device. The device includes a central processing unit (CPU) that is communicatively coupled to the computer-readable memory. The CPU is configured at startup by a boot loader program stored on the computer-readable memory. The boot loader program is configured to load either a first operating system or a second operating system based. The device also includes a display with a visual display area and a button area. The button area contains two sets of buttons. A first button set is made visible and operable by the CPU when the first operating system is loaded. A second button set is made visible and operable by the CPU when the second operating system is loaded.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 graphically depicts an exemplary mobile computing device running different operating systems.

FIG. 2 graphically depicts an exploded view of an exemplary touch-display assembly.

FIG. 3 graphically depicts an exploded view of a mobile computing device with adaptable hardware buttons.

FIG. 4 graphically depicts an exemplary set of hardware buttons and the button subsets corresponding to each of two possible operating systems.

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method to enable a set of buttons.

FIG. 6 graphically depicts a block diagram of an exemplary handheld mobile computing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Mobile computing devices (i.e., mobile computer, handheld computer, handheld, etc.) are small, handheld computing devices that have a display with touch input. These devices may be used for a variety of purposes. Communication and application specific functions (e.g., barcode reading) may be among the uses for these devices. An operating system installed on the mobile computing device performs a variety of functions. The operating system manages the hardware and software resources and provides services for computer programs (e.g., applications). The choice of operating system varies, and examples of popular operating systems include ANDROID™ and WINDOWS PHONE™. A mobile computing device may be configured to run more than one operating system to increase its versatility. Each operating system, however, may have unique hardware requirements. One such hardware requirement relates to the buttons on the front of the mobile computing device.

A mobile computing device 10 (i.e., MCD), as shown in FIG. 1, may utilize a display for various interactions. One interaction type is a multi-touch input that varies according to the contextual information displayed. Another interaction type is the touch input associated with touching statically located hardware buttons dedicated to specific functions. The display may be thought of as having two areas 12,14. The first area is a display area 12 where a user may interact with the information displayed on the graphical user interface (GUI) display. The second area is a button area 14 that contains hardware buttons to launch specific system functions when touched by a user. The appearance and function of each display area may differ depending on the operating system running on the mobile computing device 10. Two operating systems run on the same mobile computing device 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The mobile computing device 10 hardware remains the same while the interface for a first operating system 16 differs from the interface for a second operating system 18.

The display is enabled by a touch-display assembly 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the touch-display assembly typically includes a clear touch screen 21 (i.e., touch panel) that is electrically sensitive to a finger touch (e.g., capacitive or resistive touch sensing). The touch screen 21 is configured within the mobile computing device's housing so the touch sensitive side (i.e., front surface) faces a user. A graphical user interface (GUI) display (i.e., display) 22 is bonded to the touchscreen's back surface so the images presented on the GUI display 22 are transmitted through the touch screen 21 to a user. The GUI display 22 is typically a liquid crystal display (LCD), though other display types could be used. The area bounded by the edges of the GUI display 22 form the display area 12. The touch screen 21 is typically made larger than the display 22, and the touch sensitive area not covered by the display 23 is used for the hardware buttons.

The hardware buttons appear to a user as illuminated icons (i.e., glyphs). The shape, position, and function of the glyphs are specified by the operating system used by the mobile computing device 10. An exploded view of the mobile computing device 10 is shown in FIG. 3. A printed circuit board (PCB) 30 is configured with light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes, LEDs) 31 with physical locations that correspond to the buttons. Typically, one light source is used for each button, but the light from multiple light sources could also illuminate a button. In one embodiment, the illuminated buttons appear white, but the light sources may also be configured to radiate light of different wavelengths. If color light is used, then buttons could be illuminated with different colors to provide further distinction or convey other information. The light source's illumination is typically continuous but could vary in time (e.g., when pressed). An important feature of the present invention is that not all buttons may be illuminated simultaneously.

The light radiated by the light sources may be shaped and formed by optical elements (e.g., lenses, fibers, light pipes, baffles, apertures, etc.) positioned between the light sources 31 and touch-display assembly 20. These optical elements are used to direct and confine the light for efficient illumination of the buttons. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a front housing is configured with apertures for each light source 31. The apertures position and support diffusion films 33. The diffusion films are used to provide a spatially homogenous illumination. These elements may also provide wavelength filtering and/or attenuation. The diffusion films 33 for each button may have the same, or different, optical properties. In addition, one film may be used for all the buttons or multiple diffusion films may be used (as shown in FIG. 3).

The diffused light next passes through the touch-screen assembly's clear button area 23 located just below the GUI display 22. The light then encounters the cover glass 36. The cover glass 36 is painted or otherwise coated opaquely (e.g., covered by an opaque film or layer). Clear apertures are stenciled or otherwise formed into the opaque coating in the lower part of the cover glass 36 overlapping the button area 38 of the touch-display assembly 40. The aperture shape (i.e., the glyph) represent the button's function. The glyph and function of the buttons are specified by the operating system. The cover glass in the aperture area may also be coated to filter the light from the light source. The coating allows light form the sources to pass through the aperture, while other light (e.g., ambient light) is attenuated. In this way, non-illuminated buttons may be made inconspicuous in ambient light. This may be an important feature since enabled buttons are illuminated, while not-enabled buttons are not.

The cover glass 36 may be optically bonded to the touch-display assembly's front surface. The touch screen 21 remains sensitive to a user's touch on the outward facing surface of the cover glass. The bonded parts 20,36 may then be snap fit or glued to the front housing 32, which can be attached to the housing holding the printed circuit board 30.

The buttons stenciled on the cover glass for an exemplary mobile computing device are shown in FIG. 4. Here a set of buttons 40 corresponding to all the functions required for two operating systems (e.g., ANDROID™ and WINDOWS PHONE™) is available to the mobile computing device. Each operating system uses a subset 41,42 of the set of buttons 40. When an operating system is loaded onto the mobile computing device, the button subset corresponding to the operating system is enabled (i.e., activated). Enabling a button includes electrically connecting the button to the central processing unit so that pressing one of the active buttons triggers a function or process. Enabled buttons are also illuminated to make them conspicuous to a user.

For the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 4, a first subset of buttons is activated (i.e., illuminated and made operable) when using a first operating system (e.g., ANDROID™). The buttons are arranged in a row, are equal size, and are evenly spaced. The buttons launch various functions when pressed. The functions available are “go back” 43, “select previously run application” 44, “go to home screen” 45, and “search” 46. Inactive buttons are not illuminated and made not operable.

A second subset of buttons are activated (i.e., illuminated and made operable) when using a second operating system (e.g., WINDOWS PHONE™). The buttons are arranged in a row, are equal size, and are evenly spaced. The buttons launch various functions when pressed. The functions available are “go back” 43, “windows start” 47, and “search” 46. Here the first and second button subsets share the “go back” and “search” buttons but also have buttons unique to their own operating system. Inactive buttons are not illuminated and made not operable.

For the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 4 the inactive buttons are not illuminated to make them inconspicuous. In general, this may be achieved in different ways. For example, the first subset of buttons 41 could be printed on the cover glass in a first color, and the second subset of buttons 42 could be printed on the cover glass in a second color. Then by using illumination of a particular color, the buttons of the first subset 41 could be made conspicuous, while the buttons of the second subset 42 are made inconspicuous, and vice versa.

For the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 4, the first subset of buttons 41 and the second subset of buttons 42, occupy different spaces along a single row. The size of the glyphs in both subsets are equal. In other possible embodiments, the first subset of buttons 41 could be made larger than the second subset of buttons 42 (or vice versa), and the second subset of buttons could be arranged to occupy the same space along the lateral direction (i.e., the axis running through the buttons) by locating the icon of a second subset button within a first subset button.

The buttons described so far have been back illuminated apertures. Other embodiments include using small electronic paper display(s) beneath the touch screen 21 and positioned in the button area 23. Here the adaptation of the buttons would include changing the information displayed on the electronic paper display. In this embodiment, the button glyphs would be visible even when the device was turned off.

An exemplary method for enabling a handheld mobile computer's hardware buttons is shown in FIG. 5. Here a choice between two operating systems is provided, each of which have a different button subset that must be enabled for proper operation.

The method begins with the selection of an operating system 50. This choice could be made by a user during the device startup in a boot loader program. For example, the boot loader program could offer a user the option of the choice between two operating systems each time the device was started. Alternatively, choice could be accessed via special keystrokes or instructions. In another way, this choice could be made during device fabrication. In any case, the user is directed to select a first operating system or a second operating system. If the first operating system is selected then the buttons corresponding to the second operating system (i.e., the second button subset) are disabled (i.e., made inconspicuous and inoperable). The first button subset is enabled 52, and the first operating system is launched 53. If the first operating system is not selected, then a second operating system is selected. The first button subset is disabled 54, the second button subset is enabled 55, and the second operating system is launched 56.

An exemplary handheld mobile computing device 60 is shown in FIG. 6. Here the touch-display assembly 20 is used to display information to a user and receive touch input from a user. A touch screen detects the touch via capacitive or resistance sensing. Touching certain areas on the touch screen is analogous to pressing a traditional button. The areas may be indicated to a user in a variety of ways as previously discussed.

The touch-display assembly 20 is electrically connected and communicatively coupled to a central processing unit (e.g., one or more controller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable gate array (PGA), and/or programmable logic controller (PLC)) 61. The central processing unit 61 is configured by software (e.g., operating system) stored on a computer readable memory 62 (e.g., random access memory, read only memory, hard drive, solid-state drive, etc.) to monitor the touch input and launch certain processes when a button is pressed.

Using reconfigurable hardware buttons expands the usefulness and versatility of the mobile computing device without sacrificing performance and without having to produce software specific parts.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patent application publications, and patent applications:

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In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. 

1. A method for enabling a handheld mobile computer's hardware buttons, the method comprising: choosing a first operating system or a second operating system, the first operating system requiring a first subset of hardware buttons and the second operating system requiring a second subset of hardware buttons; if the chosen operating system is the first operating system, then enabling the hardware buttons from the first subset of hardware buttons and not enabling hardware buttons not in the first subset of hardware buttons; if the chosen operating system is the second operating system, then enabling the hardware buttons from the second subset of hardware buttons and not enabling hardware buttons not in the second subset of hardware buttons; and launching the chosen operating system.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first subset of hardware buttons and the second set of hardware buttons have at least one hardware button in common.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: enabled hardware buttons are (i) visible and (ii) monitored by a central processing unit so that when the enabled hardware button is pressed an operating-system specific function is executed; and not enabled hardware buttons are (i) inconspicuous and (ii) result in no action when the not enabled hardware button is pressed.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein each hardware button comprises a region on a touchscreen integrated with the handheld mobile computer, each hardware button's position and function indicated by a glyph aperture within an opaque layer contiguous to the touch screen and back illuminated by a light source when the hardware button is enabled.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the enabled hardware buttons are evenly distributed in a row across the touchscreen.
 6. The method according to claim 1, comprising running a boot loader software program when the handheld mobile computer is powered on, wherein choosing a first operating system or a second operating system is performed by the boot loader software program.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the handheld mobile computer comprises an indicia reader.
 8. A handheld mobile computing device, comprising a computer-readable memory for storing an operating system and button-handling software; a touch-display assembly comprising a touch-sensitive screen, the touch-sensitive screen comprising (i) a display area and (ii) a button area; a clear cover glass covering the touch-display assembly, the cover glass having a plurality of buttons stenciled in an opaque layer contiguous to the button area, wherein the plurality of buttons comprise (i) buttons required by the operating system and (ii) buttons not required by the operating system; light sources positioned behind the touch-display assembly and the cover glass for illuminating enabled buttons; and a central processing unit (CPU), communicatively coupled to the computer-readable memory, configured by the operating system and the button-handling software to (i) enable the buttons required by the operating system (ii) disable the buttons not required by the operating system.
 9. The handheld mobile computing device according to claim 8, wherein: the enabled buttons are visible and are configured to trigger a function when pressed; and the disabled buttons are inconspicuous and trigger no function when pressed.
 10. The handheld mobile computing device according to claim 8, wherein the enabled buttons are equally sized and equally spaced along a line.
 11. The handheld mobile computing device according to claim 8, wherein the touch-display assembly comprises: a capacitive touchscreen for accepting input by touching the capacitive touchscreen's front surface; and a liquid crystal display smaller than the capacitive touchscreen and bonded to the capacitive touchscreen's back surface so images are projected through the capacitive touchscreen to a user.
 12. The handheld mobile computing device according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of buttons stenciled into the opaque layer are otherwise coated to allow light from the light sources and to attenuate all but the light from the light sources.
 13. The handheld mobile computing device according to claim 12, wherein the enabled buttons are arranged in a row with equal space between adjacent buttons.
 14. The handheld mobile computing device according to claim 8, wherein the position and number of enabled buttons corresponds to the operating system.
 15. The handheld mobile computing device according to claim 8, wherein the handheld mobile computing device comprises an indicia reader.
 16. A handheld mobile computing device, comprising: a computer-readable memory for storing data and software; a central processing unit (CPU), communicatively coupled to the computer-readable memory, configured at startup by a boot-loader program stored on the computer-readable memory and configured to load either a first operating system or a second operating system; and a display comprising a (i) visual display area and (ii) a button area, wherein the button area comprises two sets of buttons: (i) a first button set made visible and operable by the CPU when the first operating system is loaded and (ii) a second button set made visible and operable by the CPU when the second operating system is loaded.
 17. The handheld mobile computing device according to claim 16, wherein the first button set and the second button set have at least one button in common.
 18. The handheld mobile computing device according to claim 16, wherein the button area of the display comprises an opaque film with apertures representing the buttons covering a clear touch-sensitive screen.
 19. The handheld mobile computing device according to claim 18, wherein the apertures indicating enabled buttons are back illuminated by light emitting diodes.
 20. The handheld mobile computing device according to claim 16 comprising an indicia reader. 